Greenpeace

Japan will aim to become carbon-neutral by 2050, said Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in his first policy speech since taking office in September. The country emitted 1.24 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2018.

Environmental groups have criticized Japan in the past for its slow progress in cutting emissions. This new commitment was commented by Greenpeace as "precisely the kind of action the world needs" while cautioning that it must be met by the policy.

The Japanese vessel MV Wakashio ran aground off the southeast coast of Mauritius on July 25th. It was reportedly carrying 4000 tons of fuel. New satellite images from Friday show dark oil spreading in the turquoise waters, near an area that is "very sensitive" according to the Mauritian.

The coasts wildlife has been brought from the island Ile aux Aigrettes to the mainland to avoid contact with the oil. Greenpeace reports that "thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d'Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius' economy, food security and health." The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is asking why authorities haven't acted earlier. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has asked France for help because Mauritius "doesn't have the skills and expertise to refloat stranded ships."

The weather has made work on the ship nearly impossible. Jugnauth worries "hat could happen Sunday when the weather deteriorates" and the oil pushes to the mainland's shore.

Volunteers have started building makeshift barriers.

Amidst the highest rates of deforestation in the Amazon in the last five years, the Brazilian government exonerated Lubia Vinhas, the researcher responsible for monitoring forest devastation at the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

Last Friday, the institute published on its website the data on Amazon deforestation for June, pointing out that the pace of growth has been maintained. The Brazilian government is under pressure from foreign investors to control the problem.

Luiza Lima, from Greenpeace Brazil, said: "But it will not be hiding, putting makeup on the data or investing in advertising that the government will change reality. And this happens for a very simple reason: (Jair) Bolsonaro does not want to change the direction of his policy, after all, destruction is his project. from the government".

Some Greenpeace members climbed to a crane involved in the cathedral rebuilding and deployed a banner urging France president to turn talk into action regarding climate change.